San Francisco, CA (January 17, 2011) – The first-ever Good Food Awards announced the names of its 71 inaugural winners from across the nation to a crowded house of over 450 attendees on January 14th, 2011 at the historic San Francisco Ferry Building. Of the 71 winners, 47 flew in from out of state, representing every major region of the United States—a true testament to a not-so-quiet artisan foods renaissance happening nationwide. From Salty Sweet Cashew Bars to Sweet Potato Liverwurst, the winning artisan products were awarded a Good Food Awards Seal, recognizing and honoring superior efforts toward creating a more tasty, authentic and responsible food system.
“By publicly celebrating the achievements of artisans across the country we are sharing the good news about food,” said Alice Waters. “The Good Food Awards are the County Fair of our times and like those fairs that brought our communities together in a positive way, these new awards have the potential to strengthen our communities and rebuild our food culture.”
Honors were presented by a host of food innovators in each Good Food Awards category including Caleb Zigas (Director of La Cocina Community Kitchen), Peter Giuliano (President of the Specialty Coffee Association of America), Bruce Aidells (author of the Complete Book of Pork), June Taylor (June Taylor Preserves), Sandor Katz (author of Wild Fermentation), Matt Jennings (owner of Farmstead, RI), Greg Engert (Food & Beer Sommelier of the Year 2009), as well as Brett Beach (co-founder of Madécasse) and Shahin Cassam Chenai (Malagasy cocoa farmer and chocolate maker for Madécasse).
“The Good Food Awards,” said Bruce Aidells, “proves we have emerged from the low-fat dark ages of the 80’s and 90’s, into a culture looking for real food, made with responsible ingredients, that is all about great taste.”
Thousands of people attended the Saturday Good Food Awards Marketplace—amidst the iconic CUESA Farmers Market at the San Francisco Ferry Plaza—to taste and buy award-winning artisan foods, leaving many of the Good Food Award winners sold out of their products. “The experience was thrilling for us,” said Ann and Dan Trudel, of Ann’s Raspberry Farm in Fredericktown, Ohio. “Given our small-scale operation and limited exposure, we are very appreciative for the recognition of our sustainable farming practices and authenticity of our products. It was a true honor and a great sense of accomplishment. We hope that the Good Food Awards will be the catalyst for other producers around the country to provide the hope and encouragement to continue their craft.”
“It was thrilling to bring these exceptional food producers out from behind the scenes for a night and show our gratitude for their tireless efforts,” said Sarah Weiner, Director of Seedling Projects. “This past weekend there was a tangible feeling that a new community was taking shape—a spirit of connection, support and empowerment. It’s exciting to know that good food is being brought to life across the nation.”
